World Crocodile Day 2023

Crocodiles are cold-blooded creatures that typically bask in the sun for a significant portion of the day. They are often seen on the banks of aquatic systems. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species classifies the three crocodiles found in India—the Saltwater Crocodile, Mugger Crocodile, and Gharial—as Least Concern, Vulnerable, and Critically Endangered, respectively.
And Odisha is the only state in India where these three varieties are found viz. Crocodyluspalustris (freshwater crocodile /Mugger), Crocodylusporosus(saltwater crocodile), Gavialis gangeticus (Gharial).

World Crocodile Day was celebrated at Nandankanan Zoological Park, Bhubaneswar on 17thJune 2023. The event was bestowed with the presence of Prof. Sudarshan Maharana, Former Regional Director of Education, an eminent personality who has his expertise with crocodiles, especially gharials. Other reverent members present in the meeting were Shi Sanath Kumar N. , Deputy Director,Dr RashmiRanjan Swain, ACF, Dr Sudipta Ku. Panda, ACF, Sri GaganBihari Malik, ACF,Dr Rajesh K. Mohapatra, Biologist,Sri Milan Kumar Panda, Education Officer and Miss Rupsana Pradhan, Asst. Education Officer. Many Foresters, forest guards, Research scholars, Zoo Interns and Zoo Volunteers are also participated in this programme.

The event started with a presentation on“Species recovery of Gharial (Gavialisgangeticus, Gmelin 1789) in river Mahanadi” by LaxmikantaRath, Gharial Researcher on Gharial project. Followed by a presentation on Crocodiles by Prof. Sudarshan Maharana.

After the presentations the audience engaged with asking questions.The session ended with a poster presentation to the foresters, forest guards, Zoo interns and Zoo Volunteers.

Deputy Director
Nandankanan Zoological Park